1. Key Characteristics

AKC Group: Toy

Height: 6–9 inches

Weight: 6 pounds, on average

Life Expectancy: 10–18 years

Chihuahuas are small dogs who generally remain under 6 pounds. Coats may be short (smooth) or long and vary in 9 standard colors such as black, tan and red, and many alternate colors of gold, silver, white and more.

2. Where They Came From

The chihuahua has deep roots in Mexican history going back centuries before being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Historical artifacts show a similar dog dating back to the 9th century, and there is also speculation that the dog was bred with a dog from China and is similar in features to a small fox.

Christopher Columbus wrote about this breed in a letter to the king of Spain in the 1500s, and the dog was claimed to have been seen and bred in various parts of the world. The chihuahua’s Mexican origin is the most widely accepted, and it was brought into America in the mid-19th century.

3. How Friendly Are They?

The Chihuahua Club of America describes the dog as alert, confident and self-reliant. They are also highly intelligent and work well with families that are patient and attentive. They can be trained and require firm yet positive reinforcement to build their confidence.

They prefer to be with other chihuahuas, but they do get along with other breeds and animals. Chihuahuas can be quite playful and enjoy interaction over being left home alone for long periods of time.

4. Is This the Right Dog for You?

Exercise Needs

LOW: Chihuahuas require little exercise. They are great dogs for small living quarters or large cities, but they are vulnerable in colder temperatures. Make sure they are kept warm, and never leave small dogs unattended; they are easily lost and even a single bite from a larger dog can kill a chihuahua.

Children can unintentionally drop or harm small animals, so supervise children around your chihuahua. Never leave a toy dog like this on a raised or high surface; the pet can be easily injured jumping down from high places. Additionally, don’t let your dog sleep in the bed with you. You risk rolling over and causing serious injury or death.

Grooming Needs

When bathing, ensure no water gets into your dog’s nose or mouth — the inhalation of water can lead to respiratory problems. Good dental health is also important, so be sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

Health Problems

MEDIUM: Chihuahuas have high metabolisms and require quality food to stay healthy. Some common health concerns with the breed include:

Syringomyelia, which occurs when fluid builds in the spinal cord and can be deadly. Signs include scratching in the air by the neck and a lack of balance and/or loss of mobility.

Canine brucellosis is an infectious disease that can spread through breeding and also affect humans. A blood test can determine if your pet is infected. Some health departments require infected dogs to be euthanized because of the threat to humans.

Epilepsy is a common problem and may be genetic or brought on by other factors, such as hormonal imbalances, injury, fatigue and other stressors.

Luxating patella describes an ailment where the kneecap slips out of place. There are different degrees of the ailment that your veterinarian can assess to determine if your pet needs surgery to correct it.

5. Where to Adopt One

If purchasing a dog, be sure to avoid any seller, broker or store who exhibits signs of operating a puppy mill or will not disclose the dog’s origin, parents or medical history.

Additional Resources

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